(Updated 1-p.m.) A 17-year old Atlantic High School Football player is in critical condition, suffering from a severe head injury, after he fell from the bed of a moving pickup truck Sunday afternoon. Steele McLaren was transported by Cass County Rescue to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, following the accident that took place at around 2:40-p.m. Sunday. The Iowa State Patrol reports the 2007 Chevy Silverado, driven by a 17-year old male, also from Atlantic, was heading northbound on 740th Street near Anita, at around 2:40-p.m., when McLaren fell out. The accident remains under investigation. Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies and Anita Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.

Steele’s  father, Dustin McLaren, and mother, Jess Ehrman-Ellis, says their son made it through surgery Sunday night, but he has to be sedated for several days while his condition is monitored and treated. Meanwhile, there has been an outpouring of support and prayers from the community, as well as other football teams from around Iowa, including the Glenwood, Red Oak and West Marshall football teams, under #32strong. Students at the Atlantic High School, Monday, were asked to honor Steele by dressing like “Steele Day,” with gray pants, gray shirt and flannel.

A benefit account has been established at Rolling Hills Bank & Trust in Atlantic, for donations to help the family. Please make your checks payable to either Dustin & Ricci McLaren, or Cory & Jessica Ellis.  In addition, there are 1200 bracelets with the words “Strong as Steele,” and “#32Strong” in Trojan black and gold, that have been ordered, and should arrive by Wednesday night, according to organizer Kennedy Goergen. The bracelets will be handed out to the football team and family, first. Any remaining bracelets will be available for the community at $2 per bracelet. All proceeds will benefit the McLaren family.

Kennedy says since there is no school this Thursday due to parent-teacher conferences, she will be in the high school parking lot from 11-am to 1-pm, and then again from 5-6 pm. You are able to come purchase the bands at these times!

The CAM Digital Media Class is also selling decals that say StrongAsSteele and #32Strong for $5 each with proceeds going back to the family. To order your decal email the class teacher Shelly Miller: smiller@cam.k12.ia.us